Sphere Diameter Research Articles

The investigation of double wall cooling configuration with spherical cavity

Double wall cooling is an efficient cooling method for turbine blade. Commonly used double wall cooling configurations contains a cubic cavity between two walls. Chaos flow flied in the cavity impedes heat transfer. In this research, a new spherical cavity was proposed, traditional cubic cavity was replaced by several spherical cavities, film hole located on the top of spherical cavity, and impact hole located at the button of spherical cavity. Adjacent spherical cavities were connected by channel. Different spherical cavities were established and numerical simulation was used to check their performance. The influence of blowing ratio, channel, film hole diameter, spherical cavity diameter was analyzed. The performance of cavities was also compared with common double wall cooling configurations. According to the result, when blowing ratio was 0.3, spherical cavity increased cooling effectiveness by 45.6% maximumly compared to common configurations. As for coolant consumption, spherical cavity needs less coolant than common configurations to achieve the same cooling effectiveness. What's more, film hole located at −45° position was benefit for cooling, and cooling effectiveness would increase further when spherical cavity diameter was enlarged.

Prediction of Coefficient of Restitution for Impact Elastoplastic Spheres Considering Finite Plate Thickness

Collisions between objects are a relatively common phenomenon in nature. Analyses of collision processes can greatly contribute to solving problems such as impact-rub faults and particle impacts. The coefficient of restitution is a critical parameter in the analysis of collision processes. Many experiments have shown that the coefficient of restitution is closely related to the plate thickness, and the smaller the plate thickness, the more inaccurate the coefficient of restitution predicted by the existing model, which seriously affects the process of collision analysis. To remedy this shortcoming, this paper proposes a plate thickness influence factor with the ratio of sphere diameter to plate thickness as the variable. The plate thickness influence factor can optimize the coefficient of restitution model to effectively predict the coefficient of restitution of impacting elastoplastic spheres with finite plate thickness. Finally, the validity of the new model is verified using a large amount of experimental data.

(S)-3-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzyl) piperazine-2,5-dione (cyclo-Gly-L-DOPA or CG-Nio-CGLD) peptide loaded in Chitosan Glutamate-Coated Niosomes as anti-Colorectal cancer activity

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC), now the second most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, is more prevalent in young adults. In recent decades, there has been progress in creating anti-colorectal cancer medications, including cytotoxic compounds.ObjectivesNovel anticancer drugs are needed to surmount existing obstacles. A recent study investigated the effectiveness of novel formulations in preventing colorectal cancer.MethodsDuring this study, we assessed a new kind of niosome called cyclo-Gly-L-DOPA (CG-Nio-CGLD) made from chitosan glutamate. We evaluated the anti-colorectal cancer properties of CG-Nio-CGLD utilizing CCK-8, invasion assay, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell cycle analysis. The transcription of genes associated with apoptosis was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. At the same time, the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials on both cancer and normal cell lines was assessed using MTT assays. Novel anticancer drugs are needed to surmount existing obstacles. A recent study investigated the effectiveness of newly developed formulations in preventing colorectal cancer.ResultsThe Nio-CGLD and CG-Nio-CGLD were spherical mean diameters of 169.12 ± 1.87 and 179.26 ± 2.17 nm, respectively. Entrapment efficiency (EE%) measurements of the Nio-CGLD and CG-Nio-CGLD were 63.12 ± 0.51 and 76.43 ± 0.34%, respectively. In the CG-Nio-CGLD group, the percentages of early, late, necrotic, and viable CL40 cells were 341.93%, 23.27%, 9.32%, and 25.48%. The transcription of the genes PP53, cas3, and cas8 was noticeably higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (P > 0.001). Additionally, the treatment group had lower BCL2 and survivin gene expression levels than the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, CG-Nio-CGLD formulations demonstrated a biocompatible nanoscale delivery mechanism and displayed little cytotoxicity toward the CCD 841 CoN reference cell line.ConclusionThese findings indicate that chitosan-based noisome encapsulation may enhance the effectiveness of CG-Nio-CGLD formulations in fighting cancer.

Morphometry of the proximal humerus and the relationship to global offset

BackgroundPrevious research has consistently identified the medial and posterior offset of the native humeral head in relation to the intramedullary canal. These anatomic parameters and others such as humeral head and intramedullary diameter provide valuable insight for prosthesis development. However, it is critical to understand the relationship of morphometry to the native center of rotation. Our objective was to use 3-dimensional analysis to demonstrate the native morphometry of the proximal humerus and those relationships to global offset. MethodsFourteen cadaveric humeri were manually measured then digitally analyzed following 3-dimensional scanning. Pearson’s r was used to determine the relationship between variables. ResultsThe mean digital humeral head diameter (Hdd) was 46.5 (± 4.67) mm and the mean manual humeral head diameter was 46.8 (± 4.42) mm. The mean global offset (GO) was 6.36 (± 2.21) mm, and the mean best fit sphere diameter was 46.5 (± 4.63) mm. Pearson’s r = 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.07-0.84, P = .021) for GO and Hdd which indicates a moderate correlation. Pearson’s r = 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.89-0.99, P < .001) for Hdd and manual humeral head diameter which indicates a strong correlation. DiscussionNative GO demonstrated a moderately positive correlation to humeral head diameter. The manual measurement of head diameter was strongly correlated to the 3-dimensional software value which reinforces the importance of intraoperative measurement. These data contribute to further understanding of shoulder morphometry which is integral to prosthesis design which impacts postoperative function and complications.

Reducing the Energy Consumption during Microwave Drying of Coal Slime Dough by Optimizing Parameters: Experiment and Modeling.

Reducing the energy consumption in microwave drying processes is essential for the sustainable management of coal slime. Utilizing a self-constructed microwave thermogravimetric apparatus, the research investigates critical parameters, including microwave power, spherical diameter, and granule size, affecting drying kinetics and energy efficiency. The results show that it was observed that the drying process progresses through three distinct stages, marked by variations in temperature and moisture content: the initial warming phase, a steady drying stage, and a final phase where the drying rate decreases; optimal pellet sizes for efficient moisture evaporation and diffusion were identified, with smaller particles enhancing heat transfer and drying efficiency; and the Nadhari model was determined to best represent the drying kinetics of coal slime under microwave radiation. The findings indicate a positive correlation between drying efficiency and particle size while being inversely related to increased microwave power for smaller granules. A direct positive relationship between moisture migration and increased power levels was established, while an inverse relationship with the enlargement of particle sizes was observed, negatively affecting the efficiency. For granule sizes of 30, 40, and 50 mm, a decrease in activation power was recorded, with values of 8.215 ± 2.301, 7.936 ± 1.547, and 3.393 ± 0.248 W·g-1, respectively; and through the comparative analysis of energy consumption, it was demonstrated that for coal slurry particles sized 0.15-0.18 mm subjected to a drying duration of 600 s, an increase in power leads to a reduction in drying efficiency, whereas larger diameter contributes to improved efficiency.

3D imaging photocatalytically degraded micro- and nanoplastics

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics have been an emerging global concern, with hazardous effects on plant, animal, and human health. Their small size makes it easier for them to spread to various ecosystems and enter the food chain; they are already widely found in aqueous environments and within aquatic life, and have even been found within humans. Much research has gone into understanding micro-/nanoplastic sources and environmental fate, but less work has been done to understand their degradation. Photocatalytic degradation is a promising green technique that uses visible or ultraviolet light in combination with photocatalyst to degrade plastic particles. While complete degradation, reducing plastics to small molecules, is often the goal, partial degradation is more common. We examined microscale polyethylene (PE) (125–150 µm in diameter) and nanoscale polystyrene (PS) (∼300 nm in diameter) spheres both before and after degradation using multiple imaging techniques, especially electron tomography in addition to conventional electron microscopy. Electron tomography is able to image the 3D exterior and interior of the nanoplastics, enabling us to observe within aggregates and inside degraded spheres, where we found potentially open interior structures after degradation. These structures may result from differences in degradation and aggregation behavior between the different plastic types, with our work finding that PE MPs typically cracked into sharp fragments, while PS nanoplastics often fragmented into smoother, more curved shapes. These and other differences, along with interior and 3D surface images, provide new details on how the structure and aggregation of PE MPs and PS nanoplastics changes when degraded, which could influence how the resulting worn particles are collected or treated further.

Flow film boiling on a sphere in the mixed and forced convection regimes

Saturated flow film boiling on a sphere has been numerically studied in this work for both vertical and horizontal flow configurations. The simulations were performed using a numerical methodology developed by the authors for boiling flows on three-dimensional unstructured meshes. For interface capturing, the coupled level set and volume of fluid method is used. The interface evolution, vapour wake dynamics and heat transfer have been thoroughly investigated by varying the saturated liquid flow velocity, sphere diameter and wall superheat. The relative importance of both the buoyancy and the inertial forces is described in terms of the Froude number $(Fr)$ . The vapour bubble evolves periodically at low $Fr$ values, while a stable vapour column develops at high $Fr$ values. The interface evolution pattern obtained in the present work is in good agreement with the results of experimental studies available in the literature. For all the values of $Fr$ , a stable vapour column develops for a large-diameter sphere and releases vapour bubbles of varying sizes. Furthermore, for a large-diameter sphere, surface capillary waves are observed at the interface, similar to the observations of some of the experimental studies available in the literature. The flow in the liquid and vapour wakes appears to be strongly coupled. The heat transfer in the present work is estimated using the spatially and temporally averaged Nusselt numbers. Finally, an fast Fourier transform analysis of the space-averaged Nusselt number reveals a strong interaction among the different forces.

FERMT1 suppression induces anti-tumor effects and reduces stemness in glioma cancer cells

ObjectiveGlioma is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, its recurrence poses a major challenge in achieving effective treatment outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor relapse and chemotherapy resistance, making them attractive targets for glioma cancer therapy. This study investigated the potential of FERMT1 as a prognostic biomarker and its role in regulating stemness through cell cycle in glioma.MethodsUsing data from TCGA-GBM, GSE4290, GSE50161 and GSE147352 for analysis of FERMT1 expression in glioma tissues. Then, the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on cell cycle, proliferation, sphere formation ability, invasion and migration were investigated. The influences of FERMT1 on expression of glycolysis-related proteins and levels of ATP, glucose, lactate and G6PDH were also explored. Furthermore, the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on cellular metabolism were evidenced.ResultsSignificant upregulation of FERMT1 in glioma tissues was observed. Silencing FERMT1 not only affected the cell cycle but also led to a notable reduction in proliferation, invasion and migration. The expression of glycolysis-associated proteins including GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, and SCO2 were reduced by FERMT1 knockdown, resulted in increased ATP and glucose as well as decreased lactic acid and G6PDH levels. FERMT1 knockdown also inhibited cellular metabolism. Moreover, FERMT1 knockdown significantly reduced sphere diameter, along with inhibiting the expression of transcription factors associated with stemness in glioma cells.ConclusionThese findings demonstrated that FERMT1 could be an ideal target for the advancement of innovative strategies against glioma treatment via modulating cellular process involved in stemness regulation and metabolism.

Computational design of an Au nanohexapod shape for internalization into an idealized plasma membrane, investigating sizes, shapes, and modified surfaces

Computational microscopy is a crucial tool for studying internalization of Au nanohexapods (AuNHs) and can be applied in designing nanostructures for biomedical applications. To further explore the molecular insights into interactions between AuNHs and a plasma membrane (PM), we conducted a coarse-grained molecular dynamic (CGMD) simulation. This simulation aimed to investigate the cellular internalization pathways of AuNHs, considering factors such as sizes (6, 8, 10, and 12 nm diameters) varying rod lengths (LR_S0.6) and spheres at end edges (LR_S0.9), shapes (varying sphere diameters (DS) end edges, and varying pyramid cores (DC) for fixed size at 8 nm AuNH), and surface-charge modifications (neutral and negatively charged). The simulation results indicated that size, shape, and surface modification significantly affect cellular uptake. Each AuNH size facilitated interaction and translocation through the PM by direct permeation and an endocytosis process, utilizing sharp ends or edges to disrupt/penetrate the PM and subsequently enter the inner cell. Direct translocations of shapes (DS and DC AuNHs) were not observed. The surface-charged modification (8 nm sized AuNHs) showed the direct translocation process. When comparing the cellular uptake of shaped AuNHs, the DC AuNH exhibited a higher free-energy barrier. Notably, anionic AuNHs demonstrated the lowest free-energy barrier among the various surface-charged AuNHs compared with neutrally charged AuNHs and bare AuNHs, resulting in anionic charges that were more easily translocated into the inner cell than other shapes and charges. Additionally, the permeability of the surface covering was lower than the unmodified surface due to charges and hydrocarbons facilitating translocation. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of interactions between AuNHs with various characteristics and a realistic PM, thereby providing insights for the design of nanostructures with biological applications.

Open On-Limb Robot Locomotion Mechanism with Spherical Rollers and Diameter Adaptation

Open On-Limb Robot Locomotion Mechanism with Spherical Rollers and Diameter Adaptation

Neural network architecture search model for thermal radiation in dense particulate systems

In the CFD-DEM simulation of the many dense particulate systems, particle-scale thermal radiation is an important heat transfer mode under high temperatures. In this work, neural network architecture search model with different layer connection matrix is applied to the view factor regression of the thermal radiation in dense particulate systems. Deep neural networks with 3346 feasible architectures are evaluated by the HyperBand algorithm to find the local optimal solution. Neural architecture search model trained by the big data of the view factor gives a good prediction of the macroscopic radiative properties and it is in general agreement with the empirical correlations and experimental data. The particle–wall radiation decreases strongly with the distance and the maximum interaction depth is about 2.0 times the sphere diameter. The trained deep neural network model provides an efficient data-driven closure to discuss the thermal radiation of the particle–particle and particle–wall interactions in particle bed.

Dynamics of sphere impact on a suspended film with glycerol and surfactant

Understanding the dynamics and inherent mechanisms of sphere impact on suspended films is important for improving sphere-film separation techniques. In this study, we conducted experiments to investigate the dynamics of sphere impact on suspended films and examine typical phenomena. We revealed the effects of dynamic viscosity and surface tension of films by altering the glycerol content (G) and the relative surfactant concentration (C*) and elucidated the characteristics of film deformation, sphere trajectory (hs), and contact time (tc). Moreover, we obtained the influences of sphere and film properties on bubble volume (Vbub) by analyzing force balance. The results indicate that three modes are observed and divided using the dimensionless energy parameter E* = Ek0/(ΔEfs + Evis) based on energy analysis, considering the sphere kinetic energy (Ek0), film surface energy increment (ΔEfs), and viscous dissipation (Evis): satisfying E* &amp;lt; 1, retention occurs; satisfying 1 &amp;lt; E* &amp;lt; 127.7(Ds/Df)2 (where Ds is the sphere diameter, Df is the film diameter), bubble entrainment passing appears; satisfying E* &amp;gt; 127.7(Ds/Df)2, non-bubble entrainment passing emerges. During retention, increasing G and C* causes film surface elasticity and hs to present a trend of first rising and then falling. For passing, the increase in G reduces deformability, leading hs to decrease, while increasing C* makes the film more susceptible to deformation, causing hs to increase. In addition, a film vibration period (τf) is introduced to measure tc, satisfying tc &amp;gt; 2τf for retention, while satisfying tc &amp;lt; τf/3 for passing. Inspection of the relationship between film deformation and falling height indicates that Vbub enlarges with increasing Ds and C* but shrinks with increasing G and release height Hs0.

Characterizing the Stoichiometry of Individual Metal Sulfide and Phosphate Colloids in Soils, Sediments, and Industrial Processes by Inductively Coupled Plasma Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Size and purity of metal phosphate and metal sulfide colloids can control the solubility, persistence, and bioavailability of metals in environmental systems. Despite their importance, methods for detecting and characterizing the diversity in the elemental composition of these colloids in complex matrices are missing. Here, we develop a single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (sp-icpTOF-MS) approach to characterize the elemental compositions of individual metal phosphate and sulfide colloids extracted from complex matrices. The stoichiometry was accurately determined for particles of known composition with an equivalent spherical diameter of ≥∼200 nm. Assisted by machine learning (ML), the new method could distinguish particles of the copper sulfides covellite (CuS), chalcocite (Cu2S), and chalcopyrite particles (CuFeS2) with 75% (for Cu2S) to 99% (for CuFeS2) accuracy. Application of the sp-icpTOF-MS method to particles recovered from natural samples revealed that iron sulfide (FeS) particles in lake sediment contained ∼4% copper and zinc impurities, whereas pure pyrite (FeS2) was identified in hydraulic fracturing wastewater and confirmed by selected area electron diffraction. Colloidal mercury in an offshore marine sediment was present as pure mercury sulfide (HgS), whereas geogenic HgS recovered from an industrial process contained ∼0.08 wt % silver per Hg, enabling source apportionment of these colloids using ML. X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that Hg was predominantly present as metacinnabar (β-HgS) in the industrial process sample. The determination of impurities in individual colloids, such as zinc and copper in FeS, and silver in HgS may enable improved assessment of their origin, reactivity, and bioavailability potential.

Effect of arrangement patterns of spheres encapsulating phase change material in packed beds on thermal performance

The NaNO3-KNO3 salt has the disadvantage of poor heat transfer capacity and low heat transfer efficiency in single-tank heat storage systems. However, molten salt can be used as phase change materials (PCM) and encapsulated with highly conductive sphere-shaped metals as PCM spheres. Arranging these spheres can appropriately change the situation. In this study, a heat storage system of a multilayer packed bed of PCM spheres consisting of NaNO3-KNO3 salt and type 316 stainless steel sphere shell was designed. This system's heat transfer and heat storage performance were also investigated using CFD simulation. For the same sphere diameter, the heat storage efficiency of hexagonal close packing (HCP) was 1.1 times that of cubic close packing (CCP). With the same porosity, the heat charging efficiency for the case using the 47.5 mm sphere diameter was the highest, at 99.3 %. When the number of layers of spheres was increased from 3 to 7, the heat flux through the sphere wall and the heat storage density of PCM spheres decreased from 40.8 kW and 67.3 × 105 kJ/m3 to 35.7 kW and 59.2 × 105 kJ/m3, respectively. Therefore, the heat charging efficiency of HCP was better than that of CCP. Reducing sphere size could shorten the heat transfer time and improve the heat storage efficiency. These numerical simulation results are consistent with the commonly known fact that the volumetric heat transfer intensity in the porous media is proportional to the reciprocal particle size since the smaller the particle size, the larger the contact area between the packing and the fluid. The conclusion drawn from the present findings provides an idea for designing a PCM heat storage system with high temperature and high efficiency of molten salt. The idea could also be used as a reference for the optimal design of a packed bed reactor.

AI-assisted prediction of St14 steel sheets formability: Neural-fuzzy systems and crystal plasticity assessments

We've introduced a new technique leveraging artificial intelligence to determine in-plane forming limit strains in St14 sheet metals. A neural-fuzzy AI system was devised to predict safe points on forming limit diagrams, considering aspects like crystal texture, metal sheet thickness, and spherical punch diameter. Neural-fuzzy systems could be utilized in prediction of forming limit curves using linguistic data description. To obtain the data required for training the AI network, in-depth tests, including XRD, metallography, tensile testing, and Nakazima's hemisphere evaluations, were carried out to detail the metallurgical and mechanical properties of St14 sheet metal. Data on texture, the tensile curves, and grain morphology were then incorporated in crystal plasticity models to find hardening constants for St14's single crystals. Using these determined values, Nakazima's tests were replicated through multi-crystal aggregate configurations. We then undertook a comprehensive parameter investigation via 324 crystal plasticity simulations to shed light on the effects of texture, sheet depth, and punch dimensions on St14's formability. This rich dataset paved the way for training an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), leading to substantial reductions in time and computational needs. The results validate that the ANFIS model offers accurate and reliable predictions, highlighting its viability for wider use in determining forming limit diagrams.

Thermodynamic properties of quasi-one-dimensional fluids.

We calculate thermodynamic and structural quantities of a fluid of hard spheres of diameter σ in a quasi-one-dimensional pore with accessible pore width W smaller than σ by applying a perturbative method worked out earlier for a confined fluid in a slit pore [Franosch et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 240601 (2012)]. In a first step, we prove that the thermodynamic and a certain class of structural quantities of the hard-sphere fluid in the pore can be obtained from a purely one-dimensional fluid of rods of length σ with a central hard core of size σW=σ2-W2 and a soft part at both ends of length (σ - σW)/2. These rods interact via effective k-body potentials veff(k) (k ≥ 2). The two- and the three-body potential will be calculated explicitly. In a second step, the free energy of this effective one-dimensional fluid is calculated up to leading order in (W/σ)2. Explicit results for, e.g., the perpendicular pressure, surface tension, and the density profile as a function of density, temperature, and pore width are presented and partly compared with results from Monte-Carlo simulations and standard virial expansions. Despite the perturbative character of our approach, it encompasses the singularity of the thermodynamic quantities at the jamming transition point.

Low-Cost Preparation of Diamond Nanopillar Arrays Based on Polystyrene Spheres.

Diamond nanopillar arrays can enhance the fluorescence collection of diamond color centers, playing a crucial role in quantum communication and quantum sensing. In this paper, the preparation of diamond nanopillar arrays was realized by the processes of polystyrene (PS) sphere array film preparation, PS sphere etching shrinkage control, tilted magnetron sputtering of copper film, and oxygen plasma etching. Closely aligned PS sphere array films were prepared on the diamond surface by the gas-liquid interfacial method, and the effects of ethanol and dodecamethylacrylic acid solutions on the formation of the array films were discussed. Controllable reduction of PS sphere diameter is realized by the oxygen plasma etching process, and the changes of the PS sphere array film under the influence of etching power, bias power, and etching time are discussed. Copper antietching films were prepared at the top of arrayed PS spheres by the tilted magnetron sputtering method, and the antietching effect of copper films with different thicknesses was explored. Diamond nanopillar arrays were prepared by oxygen plasma etching, and the effects of etching under different process parameters were discussed. The prepared diamond nanopillars were in hexagonal close-rowed arrays with a spacing of 800 nm and an average diameter of 404 nm, and the spacing, diameter, and height could be parametrically regulated. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy detection revealed that the prepared diamond nanopillar array still maintains polycrystalline diamond properties, with only a small amount of the graphite phase appearing. Moreover, the prepared diamond nanopillar array can enhance the photoluminescence of diamond color centers by approximately 2 times. The fabrication method of diamond nanopillar array structures described in this article lays the foundation for quantum sensing technology based on diamond nanostructures.

Forced convective rate and pressure drop through a packed annulus: a numerical simulation

Porous materials are used in engineering and industry due to their heat transmission qualities. This study examined forced convection flow through an annular tube packed with sphere balls of various materials and sizes using numerical analysis. The sphere balls were permeable. Ceramic, plastic, and steel with spherical diameters of 3, 5, and 6 and porosity of 0.4 were tested for heat dissipated and fluid flow. Also, test the impact of steel balls of diameter 6mm with 0.6 and 0.8 porosity. The numerical simulation results are used to analyze the forced convection and fluid flow parameters of a three-dimensional annular tube with continuous heat flux in the Reynold number range (5000-14000). Steel balls had an 80% higher heat transfer coefficient than annular tubes without porous mediums. The simulation showed that inserting the porous media increased annular tube pressure loss. The maximum heat transfer coefficient improved by about 80% when the spherical diameter is 3 mm. Also, the result illustrated the heat transfer coefficient of steel balls Increased by about 79%, 69%, and 49%, with 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 respectively

Tortoise beetle-inspired sustainable films with tunable properties based on on-demand embedding and release of functional microspheres

Inspired by tortoise beetle, a novel method for preparing sustainable films, leveraging the on-demand embedding or release behavior of the functional fillers to impart or eliminate functions to the film is reported. The microscopic shape-memory behavior of the film surface was characterized using microscopy techniques and finite-element analysis to investigate the embedding and release of single micro-/nanospheres on the film surface, which were affected by sphere diameters and programming temperatures. By utilizing different functional fillers and distribution densities, the transformation and tunability of film properties such as optical reflection and fluorescence was demonstrated. Different functions of the film were altered through multiple cycles, showcasing the ability to immobilize patterns, step-wise release, recycle materials and create temperature-sensitive anticounterfeiting codes and decoration on objects. This approach offers a promising avenue for developing sustainable films with tunable functions and highlights the potential for recycling functional fillers, contributing to both environmental sustainability and material reusability.

Isolation and evaluation of local microalgal isolates as feed for larval rearing of Crassostrea tulipa towards optimisation of mangrove oyster seed production in Ghana

AbstractThis study explored the potential of three local microalgal isolates as feed for oyster larvae in laboratory‐rearing experiments, towards the optimisation of seed production of Crassostrea tulipa to support its large‐scale farming along the West African coast. Three species of local microalgae—Rhodomonas sp., Nannochloropsis sp. and Pseudanabaena sp.—were isolated from waters off the coast of Ghana, West Africa, following a serial dilution technique. The growth performance of the isolates was assessed in the laboratory through daily estimation of cell density until the stationary phase was observed. Characterisation of the microalgal isolates was carried out by estimation of their biovolume, carbon content and energy content. Biovolumes of the microalgae were calculated from the estimated equivalent spherical diameters using proposed geometric shapes and formulae. Carbon weight and carbon energy content were subsequently calculated using derived conversions. The three microalgal isolates showed potential for large‐scale cultivation in the laboratory with marked differences in daily increases in cell densities. Nannochloropsis sp. and Rhodomonas sp. recorded the highest and the lowest peak densities of 2.4 × 105 and 1.5 × 105 cell mL−1, respectively, from an initial inoculating cell density of 1.05 × 105 cell mL−1. The estimated mean biovolumes of Rhodomonas sp., Nannochloropsis sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. were 238.9, 8.182 and 42.42 µm3, respectively, and the corresponding derived carbon energy contents were 1.7 × 10−6, 7.13 × 10−8 and 1.05 × 10−7 J, respectively. Results from a laboratory rearing experiment indicated that the individual microalgal isolates supported the growth and survival of oyster larvae at different scales, but a mixed diet of the three promoted superior growth and survival of C. tulipa larvae. The three local microalgal isolates‐ Rhodomonas sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Pseudanabaena sp.‐ were well adapted to laboratory culture conditions, and the observed differences in growth and survival of the oyster larvae fed on these algal diets could be due to the differences in diet properties and biochemical compositions of the different species. A combination of the three algal diets, however, provided complementaery nutrients for the optimal growth and survival of C. tulipa larvae. The outcome of this study shows that local microalgal isolates have the potential to support hatchery rearing of C. tulipa, which is essential for the development of commercial mangrove oyster aquaculture in West Africa.